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Ubtan: A Secret Ayurvedic Beauty Regime

May 22,2015

Ubtan is a luxurious full body exfoliant

It has been used as part of a beauty regime in India for thousands of years. It is used traditionally in pre-wedding rituals to create youthful, glowing skin for the bride. Ubtan is a mix of different powders from grains and spices, combined together with oils to form a paste that is then rubbed over the whole body.

An Ubtan is a traditional natural version to the modern day micro-dermabrasion. It acts by sloughing off the dead skins cells, stimulating elastin and collagen and increasing blood circulation so new cells can begin to form. This decreases the effects of aging, fine lines, pigmentation, scars and enhances skin texture. But unlike a microdermabrasion, the ingredients used in the Ubtan not only enhance the beauty of the skin, but also contain medicinal properties and are free of chemicals.

Used in Panchakarma, an Ubtan is a powerful lymphatic and circulatory stimulant, which aids in the detoxification process. The ingredients used are dry and rough in nature and hot in potency and when rubbed all over the body they induce the same qualities in the deeper tissues and remove excess congestion, water, stiffness and blockages from the system.

The specific action of the massage creates friction to open up the pores, allowing the medicinal spices to penetrate and have a liquefying and scrapping action on fat tissue and stimulate the metabolism. Ubtan is beneficial for promoting weight loss, reducing subcutaneous fat tissues, toning the muscles and reducing cellulite.

By reducing the blockages and congestion in the system (Kapha in Ayurvedic terms), stimulating lymphatic drainage and sluggish circulation, it clears the Nadis (energy channels), which allows the flow of Prana (energy) more efficiently throughout the body. This invigorates the nervous system, relieves fatigue and revitalizes the body.

The combination of the oil with the powder ensures the superficial layers do not become to dry and rough in the process and leaves the skin feeling subtle, soft and lustrous.

Recipe for your own Ubtan

You can make a version of the classic Ubtan at home to gain all these benefits from simple herbs and spices.

Simply blend 1 cup of mung beans, 1 tbsp dry ginger powder and 1 tbsp of cinnamon powder together. To use, make a paste with water and the powder mix. Massage the whole body with warm black sesame oil first, then apply the paste, massaging with circular motions. Wash off and enjoy smooth, soft skin.

Article Written By Tegan Wallis (Holistic Health Practitioner)

"Best healthy holiday ever - surrender & reset mind, body and soul." February 2, 2019 - A TripAdvisor Traveler Read 138 reviews of Sukhavati Ayurvedic Retreat and Spa
 
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